Fleetwood in advanced talks with potential assistant head coach

Fleetwood Town are in advanced negotiations with a candidate regarding a role as Uwe Roser's number two.
Rob Kelly and Uwe Rosler during their time together at Leeds UnitedRob Kelly and Uwe Rosler during their time together at Leeds United
Rob Kelly and Uwe Rosler during their time together at Leeds United

Rosler took over the reins from Steven Pressley on Saturday but when the Scot quit last Tuesday his assistant Neil MacFarlane also severed ties with the club.

Former Wigan boss Rosler told the Gazette on Monday that he was looking to bring in an assistant before Saturday’s opening game of the League One campaign at Northampton.

And it looks like he has got his man.

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The club have reportedly made a move for the 47-year-old German’s former assistant Rob Kelly.

Kelly left his role as first team coach at Blackburn Rovers this afternoon and it is understood he is set to be unveiled as Rosler’s assistant head coach tomorrow morning.

Kelly was Rosler’s assistant manager during his short-lived spell at Leeds United in 2015 and it is believed the duo are set for a reunion on the Fylde coast.

Ayr United’s assistant manager John Henry, who has worked with Rovers boss Owen Coyle in the past at their local rivals Burnley, is set to take over from Kelly.

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Coyle said he granted Kelly permission to leave the club and pursue another opportunity in football.

He said: “We wish Rob Kelly well. He came to me to say he had another offer in football that he would like to pursue, and I granted him that opportunity.”

Whilst Fleetwood tweeted the following statement: “The club are currently in advanced negotiations regarding an assistant head coach. Hoping to make an announcement tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, Town shot-stopper Chris Neal has bagged the number one shirt as Fleetwood revealed their squad numbers ahead of the new campaign.

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The 30-year-old joined the club after he was released by Port Vale earlier this summer and is expected to be between the sticks on Saturday.

David Ball has been upgraded from the number 23 shirt to wear the number 10 jersey after Jamille Matt’s move to Blackpool.

Amri’i Bell takes the number three shirt from the released Danny Andrew, new Dutch winger Ricardo Kip bags Bell’s number seven, while Bobby Grant moves up from number 14 to number 11; a full list is on page 63.

Rosler was glad to get on the training pitch this week and get down to business ahead of the big kick-off at Northampton on Saturday.

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He said: “It has been very good, the players have been very good to me.

“The first day when you are walking into a dressing room and into a new club is always an unknown quantity but the players have been brilliant, the staff have been brilliant I have really enjoyed to be back on the grass I can tell you that.

“I have missed it so much the players came out with a lot of energy and with a lot of enthusiasm. That is all that I can ask for. They have shown me that they want to play for me and want to play for the club and I think it was a good two first sessions that we had.

“I think it is important joining the week before the first game it is not optimum but it is optimum football so we have to get the best out of it.

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“I think it is important that the players understand how I would like to play the game and I think by doing that I also learn about the players.

“I need to find the best possible formation and the best possible way to get the best out of the squad I have.”